Rival winter sporting codes want to tap into the unprecedented surge in support for the Matildas as they head into the closing stages of the soccer World Cup to get more girls to play sport, especially in their teenage years, as well as attract bigger crowds to their own stadiums.

With the Matildas’ stunning quarter-final victory against France on Saturday catapulting them into a semi-final against England on Wednesday night, long-time soccer supporters in Australia also would like to ensure the exposure from the World Cup will lead to lasting change for the game.